Evaluate the actions of the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch Essay

Evaluate the actions of the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch explorers and colonizers. Be sure to consider their impact on the native peoples, the environme - Essay Example New trade routes were a necessity in competing with other European countries. Trade of European goods for spices and other goods not available in Europe were in high demand. An explorer who opened up or discovered a new trade route was handsomely compensated by their government. Wilkenson (2002, p. 20) explains â€Å"more and more explorers tried to open up trade routes.† Faster trade routes to countries with raw materials were valuable. The faster a ship could reach a country with valuable resources, the sooner they could beat other countries wanting the same materials. Riches also drove the explorers. They were searching for gold, silver, spices, and other natural resources. Abernethy (2002, p. 211) explains how these explorations were â€Å"leading Spain and Portugal to vie in the early sixteenth century for spice-rich islands off Asia’s southeast coast†. Tales of streets of gold and diamonds lying on the ground made it back to Europe. Although the Europeans did not believe such tales, the explorations were popular. Abernethy (2002, p. 191) reports â€Å"led Europeans to ask more insistently whether statements about the world were supported by the evidence. Maritime exploration having paid rich and unexpected dividends.† The expense was being returned ten fold on ships funded for exploration. Spices, gold, diamonds, and other natural resources were being sold at a fraction of the cost to obtain them. These explorers were treasure hunting for their governments, with the dividends paying off richly. The problem with the Europeans finding riches was where the riches were located. The natural resources were located in North and South America, Africa, and other lands not yet explored by Europeans. The natives they met were exotic. However, the Europeans easily conquered these new cultures in order to take their natural resources. Suddenly, the natives were second class citizens in their own

Assignment For Media Histories Class on Photography from 1850-1900

For Media Histories Class on Photography from 1850-1900 - Assignment Example The skewed horizon, violation of the thirds rule, and several other composition errors point out that the image is taken for documentary needs only. 2. This image may be regarded as a perfect instance of a production photo as a genre. Since the train platform is totally desert, it is hard to say that the actress has just arrived by train (considering the freshness of her face, as well), while, in fact, the photo session was arranged in honor of Kim Novak’s return from the Cannes festival. Everything seems strange and unnatural on the photo, and this can be explained by the statement that celebrities were not avoiding photographers fifty years ago, and Kim Novak poses with pleasure. Nevertheless, it is a common image for the 50s, as photographers often covered the stars’ arrivals, departures, and other routine actions. However, considering the photographer’s point of view, it should be emphasized that he wished to depict the openheartedness of the actress, since s he was tired after the trip, nevertheless, agreed to participate in the photo session. 3. Most probably, the photographer’s key aim was to depict the static nature of the situation on the American - Mexican border. First, the low shooting point does not add dynamism to the image, second, calm, and smooth light transitions jointly with the absence of color and light contrasts emphasize the regular life in the Calexico, and absence of the problems that are common for the present days. However, the legal migration of the Mexican peasants and workers to the USA was the general practice for that years, and in accordance with the information given on the web archives, the participants of the Bracero Program crossed the border in Calexico mainly. However, hundreds of illegal immigrants also preferred Calexico, and the publishing, where the image appeared, was meant to emphasize the problem of the illegal immigration. However, the regular character of the image could be used as the i ntroductory moment, for opening the article in the Los Angeles Times. 4. Ernest Debs seems to be a conservative by nature, moreover, he is occupying a high governmental position (city councilman), and therefore, it is clear that he is not promoting, or recommending horror comics for school libraries. The conservative society must have been worried about the literature preferences of the adolescents, and, Ernest Debs, as a city councilman, is intended to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens, which involves protecting the children against undesirable content. Considering the research of the details, it should be emphasized that

Bodhisattva in relation to a discussion of love in Buddhism Essay Example for Free

Bodhisattva in relation to a discussion of love in Buddhism Essay In chapter three of â€Å"Dimensions of Love: East West† by James A. Mohler, titled, â€Å"When he (Bodhisattva) exerts himself for the good of others, he should be filled with love and love alone without any admixture of self-interest†, we see how one who has set out on a quest to become a successful Bodhisattva must incorporate love for others (Mohler, 1975). The very soul of the Bodhisattva is devoted to the spreading of love in his fellow men. In the coming paragraphs, light shall be shed upon the intricacies involved in the responsibilities that one finds himself subjected to when he chooses to travel on the path of the Bodhisattva. The analysis performed shall be in the light of the third chapter of the book as mentioned above while elaborating upon the various aspects of the Mahayana Bodhisattva. As we go along with the summarization and analysis of the article, we shall observe the factors that are of primary importance to the Mahayana Bodhisattva and what the life of the Mahayana Bodhisattva dictates. Karuna dictates a side of the code of conduct that Buddha presented known as ahimsa. It is no surprise that the presence of Karuna is in multiple religions and mostly in ones that originated around the same time as did Buddhism and Jainism. It is believed that this element of uniformity may have become prevalent as a result of the movement to discourage the growing bloodshed of that time. The essence of Karuna is to make sure that any element that can encourage or can potentially lead to the encouraging of harm is not promoted under any circumstances. Ahimsa is a unique method of resistance that is incorporated in Kural as well as in Buddhism and in all religions it remains an ideology that speaks of replying to adversity with a unique passive resistance that is composed of exercising good in reply to evil when subjected to evil. So much so that Tiruvalluvar suggests that since all souls are equal, hence pain inflicted by one upon another is nothing but pain inflicted on one’s self. This ideology revolves around the concept of â€Å"self-giving† According to Mahayana Buddhism, the ultimate achievement of inner peace is only possible once one has committed one’s self to serving others and the singular purpose of one’s life has become the spreading of love and peace amongst others. It can be seen how this approach results in the attainment of inner peace for one. The path of success for the bodhisattva does not revolve around any segment of society but unanimously declares that all segments of society, whether drenched in riches or dwelling in the bowels of evil, are to be helped in their journey through life and towards salvation. To the bodhisattva, his very existence makes him responsible to save the people in the world from misery and pain (Rinchen, 1997). Yet modern day religious scholars often argue that the degree of significance that Mahayana Buddhism places on Karuna down plays the element of intelligence. Not only is Mahayana Buddhism shown as an approach to life, but in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, it is also given form and shape in the Goddess of Mercy Kuan-yin. Kuan-yin is a goddess of mercy in the sense that she looks down upon the world with sympathy for the less fortunate. So much so that according to an ancient Chinese proverb, it is believed that a goddess of mercy dwells in every home. In order to become a bodhisattva that is complete in his being, it is necessary to commit one’s being and one’s life to the bringing of peace and love to others. The bodhisattva is not one whose comprehension of the world around him is dictated by the degree of affluence or hardship that it holds. The bodhisattva is oblivious to such worldly factors in his beliefs and his world exists for the bringing of peace and tranquility to the worried and the pained around him. The bodhisattva does not differentiate between the beggar and the king and helps anybody who karma leads to him. They choose to stay indifferent of infatuation, loathing and recklessness in order to develop virtue within their being. Even the very prayer of the bodhisattva does not center around the person saying the prayer himself/herself but on the extent to which he can be of service to the people around him/her and lead them through the path to inner peace. The bodhisattva prays for the inner illumination of others once he/she has achieved it. The desire of the bodhisattva is only to bring others to the path of inner illumination and nirvana. In this quest, the bodhisattva does not refrain from undergoing any form of pain or discomfort. If the bodhisattva must, then he/she will gladly suffer through pain and torture if it can bring another person peace and tranquility. This aspect is dominant to such a significant degree that the bodhisattva does not even choose to give his family and his own being the comfort and the satisfaction that he chooses to ensure for those who come to him for help and assistance and for the enlightenment that he has achieved. The love of a mother holds monumental importance in the universe, and it is the nature of this very love that the Bodhisattva holds for all he beings around him (Beliefnet, 2008). To the common man, freedom and information are two of the most important elements of success in his life, however, to the bodhisattva, all these and similar elements remain little significance once he has achieved the complete incorporation of Karuna in his being. Needless to say, the bodhisattva feels the pain that the people around him feel and chooses to commit his being to the eradication of that pain. He considers himself to be of no more respect than the people around him and sees all the people as his equal. He does not consider his world in the perception of his own being but chooses to perceive it in the perception of the people around him. The two foundations of the perception that the Bodhisattva chooses to incorporate in his being are that firstly, he never treats people with bias or prejudice but chooses to treat everybody equally as he sets about to take away the misery and pain from their lives. Secondly, the Bodhisattva does not treat anybody in a way that they would not appreciate, but in a way that would make them comfortable and make them feel warm and welcomed in the discovery of their path to nirvana. Until and unless all the people in the world are relieved of the pain and misery that they suffer, the bodhisattva never accepts the ultimate blessing of nirvana even though it has been bestowed upon him. He believes that his true happiness will be brought by allowing the people around him to gain access to relief from suffering. He refuses to accept nirvana as his state of mind until he has eradicated pain and suffering from the world and he chooses to spend the entirety of his life in the pursuit of this quest. For the bodhisattva, the consuming of flesh is another matter upon which he exercises very rigorous rules. It is believed in ahimsa that the reincarnation of a man who consumes the flesh of other living entities will be in the form of carnivorous animals. Beliefs related to the discouraging of the consumption of flesh are the most strongest in eastern traditions like Jainism and Buddhism. The quest for taking away the suffering from all beings at the cost of giving away one’s own comfort is the most primary of priorities for the bodhisattva. The bodhisattva does not turn his back from hard times and does not feel scared of or threatened from adverse circumstances or situations that may cause any discomfort or harm to the bodhisattva. He is always willing to sacrifice himself so that others may have a better development of their soul. The bodhisattva vows and dedicates his life to fighting against all forms of pain, discomfort, evil and sin that plague the people of the world he has been made responsible for by the inner peace that he has achieved. To the Bodhisattva, the people who are spending their lives in the thirst for wealth and are engaging every instant of their limited life in the race to acquire worldly possessions and to satisfy worldly desires are people who are in the need of the Bodhisattva the most. It is these people that the Bodhisattva tries to save and tries to bring them to peace of heart and realization and achievement of nirvana. Hence, it is the singular presence of all of God’s creations that the Bodhisattva gives room to in his heart. His mind and heart continue to contemplate how he can be of service to the people who are ailed with the perplexities of the material world and are lost in the pain and misery that the world captivates them in. To the Bodhisattva, the only purpose in life is to bring deliverance to these sick souls. In this quest, the Bodhisattva is willing to sacrifice his life and his property if the time calls for it. Not only is the Mahayana Bodhisattva willing to sacrifice his very life but he does not refrain from sacrificing every possession that he holds to his name if he can rid somebody of pain and discomfort by doing so. A person who chooses to enter Mahayana Bodhisattva works on six aspects of his person (Essortment, 2008). These six aspects include that of generosity, ethics, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom. Generosity is a trait not very commonly found in human kind, the unselfish desire, to put others wants, needs, requirements and satisfaction before one’s own. One always searches for personal gain, a means to benefit oneself. But according to Buddhist teachings the potential to benefit ones self and by doing this, in turn benefiting countless others. This is the teachings of Buddhism, the need for self actualization in the form of selflessness, working for the good of others, concerning oneself with providing solutions for other suffering from the infliction of various situations. Ethics and moralistic virtue is one of the components of the 6 Perfections. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and evil and being able to hold a veneer of control over oneself, that is what Buddhism preaches. Patience corresponds to anger, and anger dominates a person’s actions in negative aspects. Therefore once again a veneer of calmness must at any cost take over the sensation of effused anger. Patience gives an aspect of happiness and peace. Effort is the driving force to achieve something this virtue is highly required to join the prestigious Bodhisattva. The reason for this is that in order to join, there are many virtues one must possess and if not possess then must procure within oneself, and for this relentless effort is required. Another key aspect that the Mahayana Bodhisattva spends time upon is Meditation. Meditation is the key for ultimate focus. Calm concentration helps one and heals others surrounding him. Distraction places a hurdle in focusing on things important, but meditation clears the mind of all else and focuses on what is required. Concentration creates clairvoyant abilities and provides focus on virtuous deeds. Besides mediation, knowledge and wisdom are the ultimate amalgamation of the other five perfections. To concern oneself in knowing taking precautions where necessary and controlling what when and where is the capability of wisdom. The Mahayana Bodhisattva believes that it is his purpose in life to ensure that the people who are happy always have smiles in their heart, that all the people who are plagued with disease find health and strength once more, that everybody finds the path to deliverance, that anybody who sets out on a journey reaches his destination safely and in time (Exotic India, 1998). All in all, the Mahayana Bodhisattva desires to take away all the pain in the world for his own self and replace it with nothing except joy and pure happiness. From the above elaboration of what the Mahayana Bodhisattva holds dear to himself, we can infer that the very establishment and fundamentals of Buddhism are based upon compassion. This compassion is unique in the sense that it is entirely selfless and comes from a soul that does not hold any concern for its own well being but believes that the completion of its existence will only be possible once it has spent its entire life in the quest for bringing peace and deliverance to the pained and troubled people of the world. The life of the Mahayana Bodhisattva is one plagued with pain and suffering from the apparent view of the person. But the fact of the matter remains that it is in this suffering and pain that the Mahayana Bodhisattva finds comfort. He finds comfort in knowing that he has given his share of happiness to somebody else and has therefore completed the purpose of his existence. Hence, we can conclude that attainment of material laurels is the least of concerns for the observer of Buddhism. In fact, Buddhism concentrates more on bringing sanctuary to people who are caught up in the web of the world and are suffering pain and misery because of it. Therefore, having become drenched in his responsibilities as a Mahayana Bodhisattva, the person becomes a reincarnation of the Buddha himself. References Beliefnet. (2008). What Mahayana Buddhists Believe . Retrieved February 13, 2009, from beliefnet. com: http://www. beliefnet. com/Faiths/2001/06/What-Mahayana-Buddhists-Believe. aspx Essortment. (2008). What is Bodhisattva? Retrieved February 13, 2009, from essortment. com: http://www. essortment. com/all/whatisbodhisat_rfld. htm Exotic India. (1998, October 27). The Bodhisattva Ideal. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from kheper. net: http://www. kheper. net/topics/Buddhism/bodhisattva. htm Mohler, J. (1975). Dimensions of love, East and West. Doubleday. Rinchen, G. (1997). The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas. Snow Lion Publications.

Types of Leadership Styles

Types of Leadership Styles Introduction Leadership is a complex and diverse place of knowledge and it transforms potential into reality. (J Antonakis, etal, 2004) According to author being a leader changes everything. Its all about contribution, performance and success. This essay describe about the leadership and the styles of leadership. Firstly the author will give the explanation of leadership with different definitions. Secondly the author will explain the styles of leadership. Furthermore the author will take a real life leader on her wish and explain that particular persons leadership qualities and the style by providing enough of evidence. The meaning of Leadership Leadership has the capability to impress the will of the leader on those led and induce obedience, respect, loyalty, and corporation. He also mentions that leadership is a result of an ability to persuade or direct men, apart from prestige or power that comes from office or external circumstances. (Joanne B, 2004) On the other hand Leadership also an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purposes. (Margaret FK, 2006) Leadership Styles There are different types of leadership styles. Leadership styles can be identified of their characteristics, an implicit leadership philosophy, and a set of management skills typical of each style. Different leadership styles that includes autocratic, democratic, laissez faire, Transformational and transactional. There are different types of leadership styles Leadership Qualities There is lot of qualities a leader should have. The author explains the most essential qualities a leader ought to have in todays society and those are: Well character which inspires the self-assurance. Action is the first point of the character. Strong character gives a happy success. Secondly, when a person become a leader he or she have to commit themselves hence the people you guide is depending on you. Communication is the third quality which could help a leader to get some companion, without communication a leader will have to travel alone. Fourthly focus is something a leader needs to work on it; a perfect focus makes a sharp leader. Finally when a problem appears a leader must know how to face that and solve it without keeping a problem as a problem. For any question mark there will be a full stop. To find answers for those problems a leader should be aware of problem solving quality. Example leader with autocratic leadership MargaretThatcher was the first and longest serving female prime minister of Britain. Self-confidence, sincerity, cheerfulness, integrity and oblige are just a few traits that expose Margaret Thatcher. She is a conviction politician. She is well known for her autocratic leadership style. She was taught bountiful works, morals and well-built custom of self help. So how approximately did Thatcher’s autocratic leadership contribute towards her prime ministerial decisions? (INFORMA AUSTRALIA, 2013) http://informaaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/margaret-thatcher-leadership-skills-of-the-iron-lady/ Determination of Thatcher is eventually what enabled her to place goals and see them through, as well as dropping the pressure of trade unions. She narrowed the pressure of unions through legislature. Thatcher finally broke the resolve of theNational Unionof Mineworkers (NUM) following a year of strikes, with the NUM finally granting without a deal. She is a woman with proud and confident and not easy to know her well. When she wants to achieve something or get something she never gives up on it even if it’s impossible. She always tends to live passionately rather than living superficially. Thatcher is good to face situation like crisis and she enjoy living at full capacity. Either positive or negative, she has a strong, immediate gut reaction, which proves to be correct. One of her confidence in her ideals was feature of her prime ministerial tenure, and it caused her to run a government based on conviction politicsand motivated mainly on her own values. (http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Margaret_Thatcher/Attitude.asp, nodate). Conclusion In outline, the definitions provided gave an understanding of what is leadership. Why Leadership is important to this world. MargaretThatcher is a strong, Confidence and very power full leader. She is a good leader for this world. Reference Antonakis, J, etal (2004). The nature of leadership. Sage. Michael, W. (2002) Leaderships Adversary. Google books [online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books/about/Leadership_s_Adversary.html?id=IZj8CjyqzykCredir_esc=y (Accessed: 23rd February 2014) Joanne B (2004) Ethics, the Heart of Leadership. Google books [online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=gr1_nnC9zUACpg=PA10dq=definition+of+leadershiphl=ensa=Xei=VFETU_nZA8qHlAXZ8IDIDgved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=definition%20of%20leadershipf=false (Accessed: 23rd February 2014) Margaret FK (2006) Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in the Workplace. Google books [online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=GatUbd5tZnACpg=PA45dq=An+influence+relationship+among+leaders+and+followers+who+intend+real+changes+that+reflect+their+mutual+purposes+%28Rost,+1991%29.hl=ensa=Xei=nFYTU4erH4z9lAW9lYCYDQved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=An%20influence%20relationship%20among%20leaders%20and%20followers%20who%20intend%20real%20changes%20that%20reflect%20their%20mutual%20purposes%20(Rost%2C%201991).f=false(Accessed: 23rd February 2014) Joseph C R (1991) Leadership for the Twenty-first Century. Google books [online] http://books.google.lk/books?id=bM7E8ORH7QCpg=PA101dq=definition+on+leadershiphl=ensa=Xei=-74MU7-PKILilAXIDIAgved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=definition on leadershipf=false (Accessed: 24th February 2014) D.D Warrick (1981) This article discussesleadership styletheories pp.3-4: 155-172 [online] Aailable at: fys.utk.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/108/files//Warrick_Leadership.pdf (Accessed: 25th February 2014 ) www.ansc.purdue.edu/courses/communicationskills/leaderqualities.pdf, (no date) (Accessed: 28th February 2014) INFORMA AUSTRALIA(2013) Available at: http://informaaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/margaret-thatcher-leadership-skills-of-the-iron-lady/(Accessed:28th February 2014 ) http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Margaret_Thatcher/Attitude.asp, (no date) (Accessed: 28th February 2014) http://www.centerforworklife.com/margaret-thatcher-leadership-qualities-to-note/,(no date) (Accessed: 28th February 2014) Ami22(2004) The leadership of Magaret thatcher. Available at: http://www.writework.com/essay/leadership-margaret-thatcher-first-woman-prime-minister-br (Accessed: 28th February 2014) http://kellenbaldock.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/iron-lady-leadership/(Accessed: 29th February 2014)

Free Essays - The Character Traits of Macbeth :: Macbeth essays

The Character Traits of Macbeth William Shakespeare's play Macbeth shows us that cheating will not get you were you want to go. Macbeth was written in the 16th century England during the Elizabethan period, because of this the story has a complex plot and many themes that the people in the Elizabethan period would enjoy. The character Macbeth has many traits that Shakespeare used to develop Macbeth throughout the play and even how the character Macbeth advances the theme of the play. Macbeth is put together with many character traits. He is a very complex character. In the beginning Macbeth was brave and loyal. He won the battle of Norway and became the Thane of Cawdor. For brave Macbeth disdainding fortune with his brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution( ACT1 SC2 LNS18-20). Macbeth is also a gullible man, when he runs into the witches he believes them when they say, all hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter(act1 sn2 line 50) . He is so gullible to what these witches said that he killed his best friend Banquo and nearly kills Banquo's son. Macbeth also was convinced by his wife to kill Duncan. Macbeth conscious becomes guilty after he kills Duncan when he said, will all great neptunes ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?(act2 sn2 lines 79-80). He is thinking that nothing can take back the murders he had committed. Throughout the play Shakespeare developed Macbeth into a cold and depressed man. In the beginning Shakespeare developed Macbeth into a brave and loyal man. After the witches tell him of the prophecies Macbeth was convinced by his wife to kill Duncan. After this Macbeth starts to lose it by going crazy by seeing 3 apparitions then a row of kings(p125 sn1 lines 77-140). Shakespeare has turned the character of Macbeth totally around. Toward the end of the play when Macbeth starts to get things together he learns that he is going to be invaded by Malcolm, Donnalban, and Macduff. His wife also commits suicide. After hearing this he starts to treat his servants cold heartedly and then said "She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word.

Society and History of Class Struggles :: Shakespeare History Essays

Society and History of Class Struggles At first glance, sixteenth century Shakespearian drama and the nineteenth century dialectic philosophy expressed by Marx and Engels share no probable relationship to one another. Upon closer examination, however, developments in contemporary Shakespearian England illustrate that the social and economic centralization that generate the necessary characteristics of a proto-modern nation state were emerging in sixteenth century England. The unprecedented urbanized demographic shift created by the Enclosure Acts, which enabled the systematic destruction of the feudalistic relationship between the peasantry and the nobility; the emergence of a state sponsored market economy; the destruction of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the resulting ascendancy of English navel power; and the galvanizing image of English nationalism contained in the figure of Queen Elizabeth I all provided a compelling backdrop for the existence of modern class based antagonisms within Shakespearian dramatic theme s. In Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, a modernistic class-conscious theme develops around how several of the play’s characters manipulate sources of wealth in order to achieve social equality. The rise of international markets, readily available sources of credit, and the overall "commodification of English society" (Lecture, 9/3/03) had created a new commercial dynamic in Shakespeare’s era that gave form to a financial meritocracy never before possible in English history. Consequently, in Shakespeare’s play, the tension that results from the challenges presented to the status quo by the commercialization of society manifests itself through the exchange of gifts and debts between three principle relationships. In the characters of Antonio, Portia, and Shylock, Shakespeare illustrates that as a result of the commodification of society even the motivations for expressing generosity are now subject to a cost/benefit analysis. Variously stifled by the traditional limitations placed upon on them by their social positions, Shakespeare’s central characters in The Merchant of Venice seek to address their frustrations through an economic advantage, which in the end analysis, works to emphasize a connection between Shakespeare and the basis of modern class antagonisms. The relationship between Antonio and Bassanio exemplifies the business nature of friendship portrayed throughout The Merchant of Venice.

Microfinance in the Philippines: An Overview

Microfinance is often defined as the provision of small loans, usually called microcredit, to the underprivileged in order to help them put up their own businesses and become self-reliant. In the Philippines, where the poverty incidence rate stands at 40%, microfinance has begun to play a major role towards helping the poor explore different methods of sustainable development. The government has since helped this happen by establishing the Microfinance Unit (MFU) within the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). There are several major microfinance institutions in the Philippines, but among the largest is that of the Ayala Corporation and the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR). These institutions work towards reducing poverty through the different means of microfinance and sustainable development by conducting financial programs that will benefit the poor. Specifically, they provide financial services such as microcredit, microsavings or microinsurance to the poor. These different forms of microfinance are largely done by the aforementioned institutions with support from the national government in terms of building up their institutional capacity to support greater scales of financial service. It has been noted that the presence of a national microfinance strategy, as well as the establishment of various related institutions will work towards improving the Philippine economy. As outlined in the national strategy for microfinance, one of the end goals of the multi-faceted program is to achieve a liberalized and market-oriented economy where both the private and government sectors work together in order to sustain the continued development of appropriately-oriented financial and credit policies. Overall, the practice of microfinance in the Philippines has yet to reach its full potential and only time can tell if it will be an effective tool as a method of poverty reduction. References Performance Monitoring Report (2005). Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. Retrieved October 22, 2007 from http://www.microfinancecouncil.org/ Regulatory Framework for Microfinance in the Philippines (2001). Philippine Department of Finance. Manila, Philippines: DOF Republic of the Philippines National Strategy for Microfinance. Global Development Research Center – Governance of Microfinance Institutions. Manila, Philippines: National Credit Council of the Philippines